What is a Casino?

A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are even equipped with live entertainment venues. Some people use the term “gambling house” to refer to any establishment for gambling, but this article is about casinos specifically.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for European royalty and aristocrats 150 years ago, but it now attracts visitors from around the world seeking luxury, fine dining and entertainment. The resort’s casino is one of the most extravagantly outfitted on our list, with a flawless score in the hotel, price of entry and reviews categories helping to push it towards the top.

Casinos are businesses that make their money by attracting gamblers with games of chance (and some of them with an element of skill) and then taking a percentage of the bets made. This is known as the house edge, and it’s what gives casinos their virtual assurance of gross profit. In fact, it’s very rare for a casino to lose money on a single game. Casinos also offer big bettors extravagant inducements, like free spectacular entertainment and transportation, discounted hotel rooms and drinks while they gamble, and other perks. This helps keep bettors from losing their money and encourages them to return.